[Original size] Issue 2 (1)-ilovepdf-compressed (1)

E D I T O R ' S N O T E S
FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS
The Atken Armenian Foundation (AAF) is already completing a decade of work in
Armenia. So much has been achieved. In the last few months new projects, a great
fundraising event, and the success of our Fellows have given the AAF a momentum
never seen before. Our anchor in Armenia is the wonderful Chaghig Arzrouni,
Registrar at the American University of Armenia, who donates her time to manage
the finances and follow-up on all the projects. At our fundraising event in Montreal
last December, musicians such as two young Armenian-Canadian violinists of
immense talent, Eva Aronian and Lynette Israilian along with one of Montreal's top
flautists Albert Brouwer and his wife Stéphanie Moreau, joined Aline Kutan and me
to offer their talent pro bono. Our benefactor list is growing as many realize the
transparent nature of our work where every dollar donated is used to empower those
in Armenia today to reach the top! Indeed, it is from the top of our mountains that
we are continuing to find amazing talents and beautiful souls that are worthy of all
your support. From the top of our mountains, we are also developing agricultural
schemes that will bring prosperity to the region. Our collaborations are multiplying
and giving fruit — literally!
The new reality in Armenia, with the beautiful ''velvet revolution'' and a fresh sense of
hope and determination it has brought, has given the green light to many
possibilities. When before we made it a point to stay clear of corrupt government
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